Unique deserts
Iran is a country with a harsh geography, as a matter of fact more than three quarters of the country is covered by deserts and uninhabitable mountains.
Iranian people have learned and adapted well to live in these harsh conditions for thousands of years.
The deserts that were an obstacle to communication, passage and life in the past have become beautiful attractions to visit in the modern era for the post-modern man.
The deserts of Iran can be called as the most unique natural attractions of this country, which are worth seeing and experiencing in the true sense.
Autumn to winter is the best possible season to visit the deserts of Iran.
Iran is home to several deserts, each with its unique features and characteristics. These deserts cover a significant portion of the country's landscape and have played a significant role in its history, culture, and environment. Here are some of the major deserts in Iran:
Dasht-e Kavir (Great Salt Desert): Dasht-e Kavir is one of the largest deserts in Iran, occupying a vast expanse in the central part of the country. It is a salt desert with large sand dunes, salt flats, and arid plains. Some of its notable features include the Gavkhouni wetlands and the city of Yazd on its eastern fringes.
Dasht-e Lut (Lut Desert): Located in southeastern Iran, the Dasht-e Lut is known for its extreme heat and vast sand dunes. In 2005, NASA's MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) recorded the hottest land surface temperature ever recorded on Earth here, at 159.3°F (70.7°C). The desert contains unique geological formations, including the famous Gandom Beryan plateau.
Kavir-e Namak (Salt Desert): This desert is a part of Dasht-e Kavir and is known for its extensive salt flats and salt marshes. It is characterized by its white, salt-encrusted surface and is located in the central region of Iran.
Dasht-e Loot-e Kerman (Lut Desert of Kerman): A sub-region of the larger Dasht-e Lut, this desert is located in the Kerman Province of southeastern Iran. It features stunning sand formations and is a popular destination for adventure seekers.
Maranjab Desert: This desert is situated in the eastern part of the Dasht-e Kavir. It is known for its picturesque sand dunes and the Maranjab Caravanserai, a historic inn that served as a stopover for Silk Road travelers.
Dasht-e Margo (Margo Desert): This desert is located in the northeastern part of Iran, near the border with Afghanistan. It is a relatively less explored desert and is part of the larger Central Asian deserts.
Jaz Murian Desert: Located in the south of Iran, near the Persian Gulf, the Jaz Murian Desert is characterized by its rocky terrain and arid climate. It is adjacent to the coastal city of Bandar Abbas.
These deserts have a profound influence on the climate, flora, and fauna of Iran. They also hold cultural significance and have been home to various nomadic tribes and ancient trade routes throughout history. Additionally, many of these deserts offer opportunities for desert tourism and exploration due to their unique landscapes and natural beauty.
Blue sky and starry nights
The deserts of Iran are known for their stunning natural beauty and unique landscapes. While deserts are often associated with scorching heat and barren terrain, they can also offer breathtaking sights, including blue skies and starry nights.
Blue Sky: Iran's deserts, such as the Dasht-e Kavir (Great Salt Desert) and the Dasht-e Lut (Lut Desert), often have clear blue skies. The arid climate and low humidity in these regions contribute to the intense blue color of the sky. The contrast between the deep blue sky and the golden desert sands creates a mesmerizing and almost surreal visual experience.
Starry Nights: The deserts of Iran are known for their exceptional stargazing opportunities. Due to their remote locations, low light pollution, and clear atmospheric conditions, these deserts offer some of the best views of the night sky. On a clear night, you can see countless stars, planets, and even the Milky Way arching across the heavens. Stargazers and astrophotographers from around the world visit Iran's desert regions to capture the beauty of the night sky.
If you plan to experience the blue skies and starry nights in the deserts of Iran, it's important to be well-prepared, as desert environments can be harsh and challenging. Make sure to bring appropriate clothing, plenty of water, and necessary navigation equipment. Additionally, consider joining organized tours or seeking guidance from local experts to make the most of your desert adventure while staying safe.
Traveling through Iran's deserts offers a profound sense of solitude and tranquility. The vast, untouched landscapes invite self-reflection and connection with nature. Whether you're an adventurer seeking thrilling experiences or a photographer capturing the ever-changing colors and shapes of the desert, Iran's deserts offer an unparalleled canvas for your exploration.
We can provide you with this possibility and take you deep into the deserts of Iran with Four-wheel drive vehicles. In the following, we provide a general description of the situation in the Lut desert;
Lut desert
The Lut Desert, also known as Dasht-e Lut, is located in southeastern Iran and is one of the hottest and driest places on Earth. It has gained fame for its extreme temperatures and arid conditions. Here are some notable records and information related to the Lut Desert:
World's Hottest Surface Temperature: In 2005, NASA's MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) recorded the highest ground temperature ever measured on Earth in the Lut Desert. The temperature reached a scorching 159.3 degrees Fahrenheit (70.7 degrees Celsius) in the Dasht-e Lut.
Low Humidity: The Lut Desert is characterized by extremely low humidity levels, especially in its central region. This low humidity contributes to the high daytime temperatures and makes it one of the driest places on Earth.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 2016, UNESCO designated a portion of the Lut Desert as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition highlights the unique geological features and extreme climate conditions of the desert.
Unique Landforms: The Lut Desert is known for its striking landforms, including vast sand dunes, salt flats, and rock formations. That in the local dialect, they are called KALOUT. The Gandom Beryan plateau, located in the heart of the desert, is one of the world's largest and hottest exposed mud volcanoes.
Challenges for Life: Due to its extreme conditions, including high temperatures, low humidity, and lack of water, the Lut Desert is an inhospitable environment for most forms of life. However, certain hardy desert-adapted species of plants and animals can be found in the region.
Scientific Research: The Lut Desert is of great interest to scientists studying extreme environments and climate change. It provides valuable insights into how life can adapt to such harsh conditions and offers a natural laboratory for studying the Earth's past climate.
Tourism: Despite its challenging environment, the Lut Desert has become a destination for adventure seekers and tourists interested in experiencing its unique landscapes and extreme climate. Travelers should take precautions when visiting to ensure their safety in such an unforgiving environment.
KALOUT
Kalout, also known as Dasht-e Lut, is a vast desert in southeastern Iran, known for its unique geological features, including large sand dunes and the famous Gandom Beryan plateau, one of the hottest places on Earth. The desert's landscape is quite otherworldly and has been the subject of scientific research and exploration.
The formation of the Kalout (or Kaluts) in the Lut Desert of Iran is a fascinating geological process shaped by various natural forces. Here's an overview of how these unique landforms were formed:
Sedimentary Deposition: The story of Kalouts begins millions of years ago when the area now occupied by the Lut Desert was covered by ancient seas and rivers. Over time, sediments such as sand, silt, and clay were deposited in the region.
Tectonic Activity: The region around the Lut Desert is seismically active due to its location near the meeting point of several tectonic plates. This tectonic activity has caused the Earth's crust to rise, creating uplifted plateaus and mountain ranges.
Erosion: Over millions of years, the sedimentary rocks in the Lut Desert have been subjected to erosion caused by wind and occasional flash floods. Wind erosion, in particular, plays a significant role in shaping the Kalouts. The prevailing winds in the area carry sand particles and abrade the rock surfaces, gradually sculpting them into unique forms.
Hardened Sedimentary Rocks: Some of the sedimentary rocks in the Lut Desert have become exceptionally hard and resistant to erosion. These rocks, such as sandstone and limestone, form the core of the Kalouts and are more resistant to wind erosion than the surrounding softer sediments.
Deflation and Abrasion: Wind in the Lut Desert carries fine sand particles, which act as natural abrasives. Over time, these sand particles are blown against the rock surfaces, wearing them down and creating hollows, caves, and unique shapes.
Salt Flats and Playa: In some areas of the Lut Desert, there are salt flats and playa lakes. The salt crust on the surface can further contribute to the erosion process. Salt can trap and consolidate sand, creating more durable rock structures that resist erosion.
Extreme Temperatures: The Lut Desert is one of the hottest places on Earth, and its extreme temperature variations contribute to the formation of the Kalouts. The rocks expand and contract with temperature changes, which can lead to cracks and fractures that wind and water can exploit in the erosion process.
The combination of geological factors, including tectonic activity, sedimentary rocks, wind erosion, and extreme climate conditions, has led to the creation of the striking Kalouts in the Lut Desert. These natural sculptures, with their surreal shapes and contours, make the Lut Desert a unique and captivating geological wonder.
In addition to the mentioned cases, there are other deserts in different regions of the country, which are easier to visit due to their proximity to big cities. For example, there are several deserts in Khorasan province, such as Mezinan desert, Yunsi desert, Beshroieh and Gonabad, each of which has unique beauty.
In the tours section, which can be seen on the site, several travel packages have been prepared focusing on the deserts of Iran. of course, it is possible to prepare various and new travel packages according to your wishes.
Beyond its natural wonders, Iran's deserts are steeped in cultural history. Explore the ancient Silk Road routes that once connected the East to the West. Visit the historical city of Yazd, where the wind towers and adobe architecture stand as testament to human ingenuity in the harsh desert environment. Engage with warm and welcoming locals who are eager to share their stories and traditions.